Reporter’s Notebook: Former Melrose man named to advocacy panel

January 8, 2007

By Tonya Fennell: CNJ staff writer

A former Melrose resident is adding tax advocate to his resume.

Steve Fulkrod, a 1978 graduate of Melrose High School, has been selected to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. Members of the Federal Advisory Committee are selected by the U.S. Treasury Department, according to an agency news release.

Fulkrod, who lives near Baltimore,, will serve a three-year term working on tax issues raised by Maryland residents.

“I am pleased to be chosen by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury to work on issues to improve things for taxpayers, working to make the IRS system more customer friendly,” Fulkrod said.

He will be required to devote 300 to 500 hours yearly to the panel, and will offer suggestions for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction.

When he isn’t volunteering, Fulkrod said he enjoys reading, history, traveling and ballroom dancing.